chapter 12: fate

The air in the press room was thick with tension, almost palpable. The constant buzz of dozens of journalists and experts filled the space, their voices overlapping in an anxious chorus. Bright lights illuminated the studio, cameras pointed in all directions, ready to capture every moment of this historic event.

It had been exactly one week since the epic battle that shook Japan—a titanic clash between All Might, the Symbol of Peace, Clark Kent, and a villain of unimaginable power. The consequences of that day still reverberated throughout the country, and today, finally, the fate of Clark Kent would be decided.

The presenter, Yamada Hiro, nervously adjusted his tie before turning to the main camera. His eyes reflected the seriousness of the moment as he began:

"Good afternoon, Japan. This is Yamada Hiro, broadcasting live from the Tokyo Media Center. Today is not an ordinary day, my friends. Today is the day that could change the course of hero history in our country."

He paused dramatically, letting his words sink into the homes of millions of viewers.

"I am here with a panel of renowned experts to discuss what has undoubtedly been one of the most tense and controversial weeks in recent hero history. As everyone knows, today is the day of the vote that will determine the future of Clark Kent, the hero who has divided opinions and shaken the foundations of our society."

The camera shifted angles, now showing a middle-aged woman seated at the panel's table. Her thin-framed glasses reflected the studio lights, and her gray hair was tied back in a severe bun. This was Dr. Tanaka Yuki, one of the country's leading experts in hero ethics.

"Exactly, Yamada-san," she began, her calm voice contrasting with the electric atmosphere of the studio. "The vote taking place at this moment is not a simple formality. We are talking about a process involving the most influential and powerful figures in Japan—government leaders, top-ranking professional heroes, and national security experts. The outcome of this deliberation will have ramifications extending far beyond the fate of Clark Kent. We are potentially redefining the parameters of what it means to be a hero in our society."

The program then cut to live footage of the streets of various Japanese cities. In Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and beyond, crowds gathered in squares and avenues. The sea of people seemed to stretch infinitely, their voices uniting in a deafening clamor.

The program cut again to live images of the protests, now with more detailed coverage. The camera flew over the crowd in Tokyo, revealing a pulsating mass of people that stretched for miles.

"Incredible!" exclaimed Yamada, his eyes wide. "I've never seen anything like this in my entire journalistic career!"

Dr. Tanaka adjusted her glasses, leaning forward. "The most fascinating thing, Yamada-san, is how these demonstrations have evolved in the last few hours. Initially, the government sent professional heroes to contain the situation, fearing it might get out of control."

Dr. Sato interrupted, a smile forming on his lips. "But something extraordinary happened! The heroes, upon arriving, were touched by the passion of the demonstrators. In a surprising gesture, many of them decided to join the protests!"

The screen showed images of well-known heroes marching alongside civilians, some even carrying signs.

Yamada let out an incredulous laugh. "This is... this is unprecedented! What is the government saying about this?"

"From what we know, they are in total panic!" replied Dr. Sato, barely containing his excitement. "This will certainly have a significant impact on the vote."

Colorful signs rose above the crowd, messages written in large, bold letters: "Save Clark!", "He's a hero, not a villain!", "Justice for Clark Kent!"

The camera focused on a particularly animated group, where a young woman with blue-dyed hair shouted into a megaphone: "Clark Kent risked his life to protect us! He deserves our gratitude, not our condemnation!"

Back in the studio, another expert, Dr. Sato Kenji, a veteran in hero policy analysis, leaned forward in his chair, his eyes shining with interest.

"What we are witnessing on the streets is truly unprecedented, Yamada-san," he commented, gesticulating emphatically. "Never before have we seen such massive and passionate support for a foreign hero. It is clear that Clark Kent has touched something deep in the hearts of the Japanese people. The people are not just defending an individual—they are defending an idea, an ideal of heroism that transcends borders and nationalities."

"Let's go live now to our on-site reporter, Tanaka Hiroshi," announced Yamada.

The scene shifted to a young reporter in the midst of the crowd, his perfectly combed hair now a complete mess due to the wind and agitation.

"Good afternoon, Yamada-san!" Hiroshi shouted, trying to make himself heard above the noise. "The atmosphere here is electrifying! I'm trying to find someone to interview and... oh! It looks like I've found an interesting young man!"

The camera focused on a boy with spiky red hair and a smile full of sharp teeth.

"Hello, young man! What's your name?" Hiroshi asked, pushing the microphone into the boy's face.

The boy grinned even wider, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I'm Kirishima Eijiro! Nice to meet you!"

"And what brings you here today, Kirishima-kun?"

Kirishima pounded a fist on his chest, his voice full of emotion. "I'm here because Clark Kent is the epitome of manliness! He's strong, courageous, and always protects others. That's so manly!"

Hiroshi blinked, slightly surprised. "Ah, yes... manliness. And what else do you admire about him?"

"His hardness!" Kirishima exclaimed, flexing his muscles. "He's practically indestructible! That's so cool! I want to be hard like him one day!"

The reporter looked at the camera, a slightly confused expression on his face. "Well, it seems that Clark Kent inspires... our youth to be hard. Back to you, Yamada-san."

Back in the studio, Yamada and the experts exchanged amused glances.

"Well," said Yamada, clearing his throat to stifle a laugh, "it seems that Clark Kent's impact on our youth is... varied and interesting. We'll take a quick break and return with more updates on the vote. Don't go away!"

As the program went to a break, the image froze on Kirishima still flexing his muscles, a bright smile on his face, perfectly embodying the enthusiastic and slightly crazy spirit of the demonstration.

The golden light of the evening filtered through the windows of the modest suburban house, bathing the interior with a warm glow. In the kitchen, Clark Kent moved with surprising grace for someone of his size, his movements precise as he sliced carrots and potatoes for the soup he was preparing.

The comforting aroma of garlic and fresh herbs filled the air, blending with the familiar smell of home and safety. The pot bubbled gently on the stove, creating a soothing melody that echoed through the quiet house.

In the adjacent room, Toshinori Yagi, better known as All Might, reclined comfortably on the worn but cozy couch. His current form, muscular but a bit paler, starkly contrasted with his heroic persona, but his blue eyes still shone with the same strength and kindness as always. He absentmindedly flipped through a hero magazine, more interested in the sounds and smells coming from the kitchen than the colorful pages in front of him.

"You know, Clark," All Might called out, his voice hoarse but warm, "I really wish I could eat solids again. The smell of that soup is torturing me!"

Clark laughed, the sound deep and genuine. "I know, Dad," he replied, adding more vegetables to the steaming pot. "But look on the bright side: in a few months, you'll be able to chew again. It could be a lot worse."

"Ah, yes," All Might agreed, a tired but sincere smile lighting up his gaunt face. "At least it wasn't a severe injury. I can still use 80% of my total strength for a good while before feeling any side effects. It's more than enough for most situations."

Clark stopped stirring the soup, turning to face his father with a look of mixed concern and affection. "And if you keep it below that, there are no problems, right? Promise you'll take care of yourself, Dad."

"Of course, my boy," All Might nodded, his smile widening. "I can still have a great quality of life. And I am more than grateful for that... and for you."

A comfortable silence hung between them for a moment, full of unspoken but deeply felt affection.

"Y'know," All Might broke the silence, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "it's a good thing you learned to cook. Otherwise, we'd be doomed to a diet of baby food and instant soups!"

Clark laughed, shaking his head. "Hey, don't underestimate the power of YouTube and desperation! I've learned more about cooking in the past week than in my entire life. Who would've thought that All Might's son would face his greatest challenge in the kitchen?"

All Might joined in the laughter, the sound of his joy filling the house with warmth and contentment. It was a moment of peace amid the storm they faced, a reminder that no matter what happened outside, they always had each other.

"Now," Clark said, turning his attention back to the pot, "let's see if I can turn these vegetables into something edible. If it doesn't work out, we can always order some... liquid pizza."

They laughed again, enjoying the simplicity of the moment and the strength of the bond they shared. Father and son, heroes and family, facing together whatever challenges the world might throw at them.

In the heart of Musutafu, the main square was packed with protesters. Among them, a small ten-year-old Midoriya Izuku strained to see over the crowd. His green eyes sparkled with excitement as he jumped up and down, trying to catch a glimpse of the giant screen broadcasting the news about Clark Kent.

"Mom! Mom! I can't see!" Izuku shouted, tugging at his mom's sleeve. His face was flushed with excitement, and he couldn't stop moving, alternating between jumping and standing on tiptoes.

His mom, laughing at her son's enthusiasm, lifted him onto her shoulders. "Better now, champ?"

Izuku let out a squeal of joy, his wide eyes fixed on the screen. He held a makeshift sign made of cardboard, where he had drawn Clark Kent with colorful markers. The words "The True Hero" were scrawled in crooked but heartfelt letters.

"Look! They're showing Clark's rescues again!" Izuku exclaimed, his voice trembling with emotion. His small fists clenched in determination. "He's amazing! One day, I'll be a hero like him too!"

Not far away, Bakugo Katsuki stood with his parents, his face a mask of forced indifference. But his red eyes never left the screen, and he unconsciously leaned forward whenever they showed Clark in action.

"Tch, what nonsense," Katsuki muttered, crossing his arms. But when the crowd around them started cheering for Clark, he couldn't help but crack a small smile.

His mom, Mitsuki, noticed and gave him a gentle nudge. "So, brat? Aren't you going to cheer too?"

Katsuki hesitated for a moment, his pride battling with his admiration. Finally, he raised a fist in the air. "Go on, idiot! Show 'em!"

Not far away, Momo was using her Quirk to create an endless stream of signs, megaphones, and even small statues of Clark. "Here's another batch!" she announced, handing the items to nearby protesters. "Remember, justice must prevail!"

Meanwhile, hero Kamui Woods was struggling to organize the crowd. "Please, stay calm! No pushing! Remember, we're all heroes here... well, most of us, anyway!"

Mt. Lady, in her giant form, was using her height to hang a massive banner that read "Clark Kent: The Real Man of Steel." She shouted from above, "Hey, someone pass me more tape! This banner is almost as big as my... ego!"

In another part of town, Uraraka Ochaco was with her parents at a smaller rally. She floated slightly above the ground, holding a sign almost bigger than herself. "Clark Kent is our hero!" was written in large, colorful letters.

"Mom, Dad, look! So many people are here!" Ochaco exclaimed, her brown eyes shining with excitement. She twirled in the air, laughing gleefully. "Everyone came to support Mr. Kent!"

Her parents smiled, holding onto her legs to keep her from floating away. "Yes, dear. It's amazing to see so many people united for a good cause," her mom commented.

Ochaco nodded vigorously. "One day, I'll be a hero like him! I'll make people smile and float with happiness!"

In Hosu City, Iida Tenya was marching back and forth at a small local rally. His arms moved robotically as he shouted through an improvised megaphone.

"Citizens of Hosu! It is our duty to support those who protect us!" Tenya declared, his voice oddly formal for a child his age. "Clark Kent deserves a fair trial! He represented the highest ideals of heroism!"

Some people around him laughed at the boy's seriousness, but many more applauded his enthusiasm. Tenya's parents watched with a mix of pride and amusement.

In a nearby park, Asui Tsuyu sat on a bench with her family, observing the rally. Her large eyes didn't blink as she took everything in.

"Ribbit, people really love Mr. Kent, don't they?" she commented calmly. Despite her even tone, there was a sparkle of admiration in her eyes. "He must be a really good hero to inspire so much passion."

Her father nodded. "Yes, Tsuyu. That's what a true hero does. Inspires people."

Tsuyu was silent for a moment, then stood up determinedly. "Let's join the rally, ribbit. I want to show my support too."

Night fell over Japan, but the streets remained alive and pulsing. The crowds that had been protesting now erupted in celebration. The air was filled with joy and relief.

On the large screens across the city, the news anchors announced the results with barely contained smiles:

"In a historic vote, the Hero Council has decided by 63 votes to 22 in favor of Clark Kent's innocence!"

The headline flashed in bold letters: "CLARK KENT CLEARED: ALL MIGHT'S SON FREE TO KEEP SAVING LIVES"

The streets erupted in cheers. Confetti flew through the air, people hugged, some even cried with joy.

In the center of Musutafu, young Midoriya Izuku jumped up and down, his green eyes shining with happy tears. "He did it, Mom! Clark Kent can keep being a hero!"

His Mom lifted him onto his shoulders, laughing. "Yes, son. Today is a great day for heroes!"

Not far away, Bakugo Katsuki tried to hide a smile. "Tch, it was obvious he'd be cleared," he grumbled, but his tone lacked its usual irritation. His parents exchanged amused glances over his head.

In Hosu, Iida Tenya was marching in circles, gesturing animatedly. "Justice has prevailed! The system works! Hooray for Clark Kent!"

His parents laughed, pulling him into a hug to calm him down.

At the smaller rally where Uraraka Ochaco was with her parents, the girl was literally floating with happiness. Her parents held onto her ankles to keep her from drifting away. "Yay! Mr. Kent won! He'll keep saving people!"

In a nearby park, Asui Tsuyu smiled, a rare display of emotion on her usually calm face. "Ribbit, I'm glad Mr. Kent can keep being a hero," she said softly.

In the TV studios, the anchors struggled to maintain their professional composure. The famous UA News anchor, Daikaku Miyagi, let slip a smile as he read the news:

"In an impressive display of public support, thousands have taken to the streets to celebrate the decision. Pro heroes have joined civilians in the celebrations, a scene of unprecedented unity."

The camera cut to live images of the streets, showing the explosion of joy. Well-known heroes could be seen among the crowd, some even using their powers to create light and sound shows in celebration.

Back in the studio, Miyagi continued, his voice filled with emotion, "Today's decision marks a historic moment for the hero community. Clark Kent, the Son of All Might, has not only been acquitted but praised for his courage and dedication to heroism."

The broadcast then showed a montage of Clark's heroic deeds, from spectacular rescues to simple acts of community help. With each new image, the cheers in the streets grew louder.

"What we witnessed today," Miyagi concluded, his voice brimming with emotion, "was more than just a vote. It was an affirmation of what it means to be a true hero. Clark Kent has shown us that sometimes, being a hero means doing what's right, even when it's hard."

As the broadcast continued, the streets of Japan remained in festive mood. That night, it wasn't just adults celebrating. In every corner of the country, children - future heroes - stayed up late, their hearts full of hope and admiration, dreaming of the day they too could make a difference in the world.

In their modest suburban home, Clark and All Might sat side by side on the couch, their eyes glued to the television. When the result was announced, they were silent for a moment, letting the news sink in.

Suddenly, All Might stood up, his frail form trembling with emotion. "My boy!" he exclaimed, his voice hoarse with joy. "You did it! I always knew the truth would prevail!"

Clark stood as well, a wide smile lighting up his face. "We did it, Dad," he gently corrected, pulling All Might into a careful but tight hug.

All Might laughed, the sound mingling with a slight sob of relief. "Y'know," he said, pulling back slightly to look into Clark's eyes, "I think this calls for a celebration. How about a toast with our gourmet soup?"

Clark chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Sure, why not? I'll fetch our 'champagne' bowls."

Moments later, they were standing in the kitchen, bowls of soup raised in the air.

"To justice," All Might proposed, his eyes shining with pride.

"And to family," Clark added softly.

"Hm," All Might murmured, a mischievous smile forming on his face, "y'know, Clark, this soup is so good I'd say it's... PLUS ULTRA!"

Clark almost choked on his soup, trying to stifle a laugh. He shook his head, a broad smile on his face. "Dad, you really can't help yourself, can you?"

They shared another laugh, the sound of their joy mingling with the cheers from the streets. It was a moment of triumph, not just for them, but for everyone who believed in justice and truth.

As the night wore on, father and son stayed there, sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, more soup. The house was filled with warmth and love, a beacon of hope in a world that could sometimes seem so dark.